Farewell, friend, civil rights leader

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012 10:00 PM

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Email

Print

I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of my friend and mentor. Robert Lucas was a civil rights leader in the truest sense of the word. He was principled, dedicated and an independent thinker whose politics were always transparent and righteous. We never had to guess where he stood.

Simply put, Bob thought about the people first. His leadership in the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization and the Chicago Chapter of CORE forever changed our city for the better.

Bob's relentless pursuit of equal opportunity, and fairness in housing, shone a bright light on the nature of racism in the north. He led a march into Cicero in defiance of black civil rights leaders and white Chicago leaders. His courage was renowned.

Bob's demands for adequate health care and equal political representation for African Americans were a reflection of his visionary thinking. He was an inspiration and teacher to me and to countless others. My wife, Carolyn, and I extend our condolences to Bob's family. Chicago has lost a legend.